Skinflats

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Skinflats

The Ochil hills from the River Carron Taken from the Grangemouth North road docks in March 2005 — The Ochil hills from the River Carron Credit: bob connelly

Skinflats is a coastal marshland located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. Situated on the southern banks of the River Forth, it is known for its unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife. The area is characterized by extensive salt marshes and saltings, making it an important habitat for various plant and animal species.

Covering an area of approximately 250 hectares, Skinflats is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological significance. The marshland is composed of tidal mudflats, salt marshes, and sand dunes, creating a diverse range of habitats. The varying levels of salinity in the soil support the growth of halophytic plants like sea aster, sea purslane, and sea lavender, which are specially adapted to thrive in saline environments.

The marshland is a haven for birdlife, attracting a wide range of species throughout the year. It serves as an important breeding ground and a stopover point for migratory birds. Resident species such as oystercatchers, redshanks, curlews, and lapwings can be spotted, while winter visitors include large flocks of geese and ducks.

Skinflats also plays a crucial role in flood management, acting as a natural buffer against high tides and storm surges. The dense vegetation and intricate network of creeks and channels help absorb and slow down the flow of water, reducing the risk of flooding in nearby areas.

Due to its environmental importance, Skinflats is actively managed and monitored by conservation organizations and local authorities. Access to the site is allowed through designated paths and viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and biodiversity of this unique coastal marshland.

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Skinflats Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.03585/-3.7129221 or Grid Reference NS9383. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Ochil hills from the River Carron

Taken from the Grangemouth North road docks in March 2005

bob connelly

Mouth of River Carron with part of Grangemouth petrochemical complex

Taken from service road which goes as far as the entrance locks to Grangemouth docks. On far side of Forth can be seen Longannet Power Station

paul birrell

Stonehouse Farm

Flat fields surround the farms in this estuarial area where coalmines once dotted the landscape.

James Allan

Track towards the river Carron

The smoke-stacks in the left background are part of the Grangemouth oil refinery and chemical plant.

James Allan

Hardilands Farm

Canine welcome committee for the photographer at this isolated little farm.

James Allan

Field track

It looks as though this track might be leading to the power station but there is a big river (the Forth) between.

James Allan

Bollard on Breakwater

Had to walk almost 1km along a breakwater of jumbled stones covered in seaweed to get this photograph. Taken from about half way along the breakwater between River Carron and mudflats on the River Forth near Grangemouth. The mudflats are part of River Forth SSSI - mainly for wintering wildfowl and waders. Saw plenty of waders but not many wildfowl - maybe because it's not winter yet! A mild but wild day, many parts of the country most notably Inverness and nearby were flooded today. Just glad the tide was out!

Adam Ward

Industry on the Carron

Although the former Ironworks are now closed - further downstream there is plenty going on, on the banks of the River Carron, seen here at Grangemouth.

Adam Ward

End of the line at Grangemouth

These twin tracks used to provide a vital link in moving refined oil to all parts of the UK by rail. Whilst it appears these days are no more with road transport now the preferred method of bulk distribution, these incoming tracks to the former BP Oil Refinery at Grangemouth and the extensive sidings behind lie empty and disused - it's not all bad news. A SECOND rail connection (single track) in NS9482 still allows trains to enter the INEOS refinery.

Raymond Okonski

Forth Ports: Grangemouth Docks

Raymond Okonski

Warning Notice

Raymond Okonski

Oil Refinery Bridge & River Grange

This twin-track railway bridge was the primary access for rail wagons to reach the BP Oil Refinery at Grangemouth. It is now disused. The river passing under the bridge is the Grange, and gave the area its name - being located close to the mouth of the river, hence Grange-mouth.

Raymond Okonski

River Carron Breakwater

Firth of Forth on the left of the breakwater and the River Carron on the right.

Raymond Okonski

Petroleum Tower

This strange structure has signs warning of 'Industrial Effluent'. However this isn't the whole story as four large-bore pipes leave the Petro-Chemical works and cross the River Carron on a raised bridge (at NS914823). They then go underground along the northern River Carron shore, with regular raised brick-built inspection hatches. The pipes pass under this tower, before heading across Scotland to the deep-loch oil transfer station on Loch Fyne. Tankers arriving there have their cargo pumped across Scotland, to be refined here at Grangemouth.

Raymond Okonski

Skinflats Agriculture

The southern shore of the River Carron might feature industrial buildings and docks, but looking north it is farms as far as the eye can see.

Raymond Okonski

Eastern Channel, Grangemouth Docks

The blue-painted bulk tanker is delivering refined petroleum to the port's own storage tanks. The chimney of Longannet Power Station on the other side of the Forth can be seen peeking over the Grangemouth tanks.

Raymond Okonski

Eastern Channel, Grangemouth Docks

This view across the Eastern Channel shows a ship at the Canting basin, adjacent to the dock gates, which retain the water in the dock before ships 'lock down' into the River Forth.

Raymond Okonski